He added, “Our staff takes a thoughtful and pragmatic approach when introducing any new texts to our schools. “The book was selected from a suggested book list to the Teaching and Learning Department who then further vetted books, along with LGBTQ+ Collaborative members, to determine which books could be used in classrooms as a read-aloud,” Martin wrote in an emailed message. The group includes central office and school building administrators, teachers, Board of Education members, support staff, parents, community members and students, Martin said. Justin Martin, spokesperson for the district, said the book was selected through a vetting process involving the LGBTQ+ Collaborative, a district-wide committee which has been meeting monthly for the past three years. While no parents spoke in favor of the curriculum addition at the Board of Education meeting, many have expressed support for the book on social media. And you need to start listening to the community when you make these types of decisions.” It might seem good, but it’s very misguided. She added, “I admire the effort to make the world a better place and you’re trying to do that. “Not all girls are girly and that doesn’t make them any less of a girl.” Stephanie Edmonds, another of the speakers, said the book reinforces gender stereotypes. The recommended reading age for “The Pants Project” is between the ages of 9 and 13. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to read about a bulge in someone’s underwear to an 8 year old,” she said. This event is inspired by the decision of Stamford Public Schools to diversify its inclusive programming by including The Pants Project as part of its reading list.Īlso available via Zoom Join the meeting here at the scheduled time.Christina Caputo, a parent, said the content of the book was “too sexualized” for the age group. A Spanish-language interpreter will be onsite to translate the program. The presentation will be moderated by Joe Belisle, Coordinator of Lighthouse, a program of Kids in Crisis. They will include members of our community who either identify as transgender, are related to someone who is transgender, or has experience working with LGBTQ+ members, including youths, of the community. Panelists for the discussion will cover the importance of ensuring that diversity and inclusion be top of mind in school, business and the community at large. A panel discussion about The Pants Project by Cat Clarke, a touching, humorous and inspiring middle-grade novel about strong-willed eleven-year-old Liv, who is determined to challenge his school's terrible dress code and change his life.

The pants project book